Many bird clubs are folding because of politics or infighting between members. The quieter members are made to feel inferior, or are recruited by the stronger to support their ideas. Some clubs don't last a year. Others after many years and under many principal leaders finally wear out. But now there is a new danger. Super colorful magazines and the computer network are full of information about birds. Some wonderful folks on the net have given of themselves and their experiences for all to reap or download (unfortunately, there is also information that isn't that helpful, and maybe harmful).

• The sharing of experiences of your like species with people you get to know and trust nearby.
• The data on birds, equipment, and foods users have experienced, not necessarily birders who are also promoting products, a reason to have a website.
• Sympathetic help in times of crisis, loss of birds, and quicky answers for bird care.
• The contacts for emergency information or unwanted regulations for bird ownership.
• A local visible group that has the testimony or proper care of pet birds, weather problems and other knowledge. Together there is power, and general acceptance by the public.
• Having a breeder you know well raising the birds you might want or need.
• Hearing speakers to educate, inspire and share your interests, that we are not alone.

Too many bird owners have sacrificed the benefits of being a part of a club because:

• they don't like the forwardness or crankiness of a person or persons in the club. It's too bad our country won't allow more clones of us who are right, nice, and smarter than others.
• they can't take the time to attend meetings, or it's at the wrong hour, or why don't they meet in a place in OUR neighborhood.
• clubs ask for too much, too much work time in the bird mart, or to take care of the library, or serve as an officer, or Board Member. Benefits often come with responsibilities. I shouldn't be trying to help others. That's what others are for (please don't fall into that trap!).
• they tried to do a job, but nobody helped, and ideas to do it were different than the leaders and they felt insulted and quit. They really wanted to do such and such but that person wouldn't yield.
  So let them have THEIR club

Mr. Ivy was founder of Bird Clubs of America(BCA). He passed away in 2005. He and his insight will be missed.